The reimposition of UN sanctions on Iran, initially imposed by the Security Council between 2006 and 2010, reflects the continued determination of the US-led West to subject Iran’s nuclear programme to arbitrary controls that go far beyond the requirements of the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

These sanctions, alongside others imposed by the US, are ostensibly aimed at nuclear non-proliferation. However, their real objectives include overcoming Iranian opposition to Western hegemony in the Middle East, maintaining the West’s stranglehold on the region’s vast energy resources, controlling vital international trade routes, and ensuring the security of Israel, which serves as the United States’ military outpost in the Middle East.

The Western countries’ selective approach to nuclear non-proliferation is evident in how most of them have turned a blind eye when Israel— not a signatory to the NPT— embarked on its nuclear weapons programme. Countries like France and the UK have directly or indirectly aided Israel in this effort, while the US has tacitly accepted Israel’s acquisition of nuclear weapons. As a result, Israel is widely believed to possess over 80 nuclear warheads.

Regarding Iran, historical records show that during the reign of the Shah—a US ally—negotiations took place between the US and Iran to allow Iran to receive US nuclear technology. In 1975, President Ford approved a policy decision permitting the use of US material and equipment in Iran’s nuclear programme, including the provision of a full nuclear fuel cycle. This would have included plutonium reprocessing and uranium enrichment facilities under safeguards, as allowed under the NPT.

However, the US position changed dramatically after the Islamic Revolution in Iran in 1979, which interrupted the planned sale of US reprocessing and enrichment plants. The main reasons for denying these technologies to Iran were the growing animosity between the two countries, especially following the 1979 hostage crisis; Iran’s revolutionary government’s commitment to the Palestinian cause; and its resistance to American hegemony in the Middle East.

The discovery of clandestine Iranian uranium conversion and enrichment facilities at Isfahan and Natanz in 2002 led to Western pressure on Iran and UN Security Council resolutions demanding the suspension of uranium enrichment. Iran’s refusal to comply with these resolutions resulted in the Security Council imposing sanctions through various resolutions adopted between 2006 and 2010.

In July 2015, Iran and the P5+1—which includes the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, Germany, and the European Union—signed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). The agreement placed Iran’s nuclear programme under several restrictions to ensure it remained peaceful, in exchange for relief from international sanctions.

However, the reimposition of UN Security Council sanctions on Iran threatens to further weaken its economy and may destabilize it internally. In May 2018, President Trump announced America’s withdrawal from the JCPOA, citing domestic criticism over the deal’s sunset clauses—allowing restrictions on Iran’s nuclear programme to expire—and insufficient restrictions on its ballistic missile programme. He also signed an order reinstating US nuclear sanctions on Iran that had previously been waived under the JCPOA.

In response to the US withdrawal, Iran gradually reduced its compliance with the agreement by exceeding the agreed limits on enriched uranium stockpiles and enrichment levels and by installing advanced centrifuges used for uranium enrichment. Subsequent talks between Iran and the US and European Union failed to resolve the outstanding issues.

Following President Trump’s re-election, additional attempts were made by the US and the E3 (Britain, France, and Germany) to find a mutually satisfactory settlement. These efforts failed mainly due to America’s insistence that Iran completely abandon uranium enrichment. This impasse ultimately led to Israeli and American airstrikes on June 13 and June 22, respectively, causing extensive damage to Iran’s nuclear facilities. Notably, the US airstrikes severely damaged Iran’s underground uranium enrichment facilities at Natanz and Fordow.

Against this backdrop, the European powers triggered the snapback mechanism about a month ago to reimpose UN Security Council sanctions on Iran, which had been lifted under the JCPOA provisions, accusing Iran of failing to comply with its obligations under the nuclear deal. A resolution tabled by China and Russia to delay the reimposition of sanctions for six months to allow more time for diplomacy failed to secure the necessary support in the Security Council, due to opposition from the US and European powers. Pakistan and Algeria voted in favor of the Sino-Russian resolution.

The reimposed UN Security Council sanctions, which came into effect on September 28, include an arms embargo, asset freezes, travel bans, and prohibitions on transferring sensitive nuclear and missile technologies to Iran. Russia has condemned the reimposition of sanctions as unlawful, while Iran has warned of a harsh response.

The renewed sanctions are likely to further weaken Iran’s economy and increase the risk of internal destabilization. Externally, increased Western pressure may push Iran closer toward political, security, and economic cooperation with China and Russia.

If diplomatic reason prevails, Iran might seek to foster closer, friendly relations with neighboring countries such as Pakistan, Turkey, and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states to promote a more secure regional environment.

At the global level, the treatment of Iran sends a stark message: the world appears to be moving toward anarchy, where power rather than international law or morality will prevail, and the United Nations may be sidelined in addressing major issues of war and peace.
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